Mallorca hasn’t beaten Athletic Club in their last five encounters, and here’s the kicker: three of those matches ended in goalless draws. Yes, you read that right—three 0-0 stalemates in the last five meetings. For a league that’s often lauded for its flair and attacking brilliance, this is a stat that raises eyebrows. Athletic Club, sitting comfortably in 4th place with 48 points, will be looking to break this trend and solidify their spot in the top four. Mallorca, on the other hand, sits mid-table with 36 points, but their -7 goal difference tells a story of defensive vulnerability. Will this be another drab affair, or will Athletic Club finally break the deadlock?
Head-to-Head Record
The recent history between these two sides paints a picture of cautious, defensive football. The last five encounters have produced only six goals, with three ending in 0-0 draws. The most recent meeting on October 28, 2024, was another goalless affair at Mallorca’s home ground. Before that, Athletic Club and Mallorca played out a 1-1 draw in April 2024 at San Mamés. However, it’s worth noting that Athletic Club did thrash Mallorca 4-0 in February 2024, showcasing their potential when they’re in full flow.
Last Five Results Against Each Other:
- Mallorca 0-0 Athletic Club (Oct 28, 2024)
- Athletic Club 1-1 Mallorca (Apr 6, 2024)
- Athletic Club 4-0 Mallorca (Feb 2, 2024)
- Mallorca 0-0 Athletic Club (Sep 3, 2023)
- Mallorca 1-1 Athletic Club (May 1, 2023)
Season So Far
Athletic Club’s 2024/25 campaign has been nothing short of impressive. With 13 wins, 9 draws, and 4 losses, they’ve been a model of consistency. Their defensive record is particularly noteworthy, having conceded just 23 goals in 26 games. This solidity at the back has been complemented by their attacking prowess, with Oihan Sancet leading the charge with 13 goals. Inaki Williams has also been instrumental, providing 8 assists.
Mallorca, meanwhile, has been a mixed bag. With 10 wins, 6 draws, and 10 losses, they’ve shown flashes of brilliance but have struggled to maintain consistency. Their goal difference of -7 highlights their defensive issues, and they’ll need to shore up their backline if they’re to trouble Athletic Club at San Mamés.
Key Stats Comparison
| Stat | Athletic Club | Mallorca |
|---|---|---|
| Total Goals | 44 | 25 |
| Goal Difference | +21 | -7 |
| Assists | 34 | 17 |
| Goals Against | 23 | 32 |
Form Guide
Athletic Club has been a top-half fixture all season, boasting one of the best defensive records in LaLiga. Their form has been consistent, with their only major blip being a few narrow defeats. Mallorca, in contrast, has been inconsistent, often struggling to turn draws into wins. Their goal difference of -7 is a testament to their defensive frailties, and they’ll need to be at their best to avoid slipping further down the table.
Key Players to Watch
Athletic Club:
- Oihan Sancet: With 13 goals, Sancet has been the talisman for Athletic Club this season. His ability to find space and finish clinically makes him a constant threat.
- Inaki Williams: Known for his blistering pace and creativity, Williams has provided 8 assists this season. His link-up play with Sancet could be key to unlocking Mallorca’s defense.
Mallorca:
- Vedat Muriqi: Muriqi leads Mallorca’s scoring charts with 6 goals. His physical presence and aerial ability make him a handful for any defense.
- Dani Rodríguez: With 6 assists, Rodríguez is Mallorca’s creative hub. His vision and passing range could be crucial in breaking down Athletic Club’s resolute defense.
Game Odds
The odds are heavily in favor of Athletic Club, and it’s not hard to see why. At -185 on the moneyline, they’re the clear favorites. Mallorca’s odds of +475 reflect their underdog status, while a draw is priced at +280. The total goals market suggests a low-scoring affair, with under 2.5 goals priced at -140.
| Betting Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Athletic Club | -185 (ML), -0.5 (-175 Spread) |
| Mallorca | +475 (ML), +0.5 (+125 Spread) |
| Draw | +280 |
| Total Goals | o2.5 (+110), u2.5 (-140) |
Match Prediction
Given Athletic Club’s strong form, solid defensive record, and home advantage, they’re the clear favorites heading into this clash. Mallorca’s struggles with consistency and defensive issues could prove costly against a side that has been clinical in front of goal. However, history suggests this could be a tightly contested affair, with the potential for another low-scoring draw.
| Prediction | Scoreline |
|---|---|
| Athletic Club Win | 2-0 |
| Top Performer | Oihan Sancet (Athletic) |
In conclusion, Athletic Club’s quality and consistency should see them through this encounter. Mallorca will need to be at their best to avoid a defeat, but the odds are stacked against them. Expect a disciplined, hard-fought game, with Athletic Club likely to edge it. Let’s hope for a match that lives up to the billing and breaks the recent trend of goalless draws.